Applications for our 2025 class are now available - CLICK HERE

Must pass Lakeland's Psychological exam prior to acceptance into the Academy. 

Must pass the OPOTC Physical Fitness Entry Assessment (PFEA) prior to acceptance into the Academy.
 

Deadline for application packets is: August 20, 2025. Click here to make an appointment to turn in you application.

Since 1971, Lakeland Community College's Basic Police Academy has left an indelible footprint in Lake County and surrounding communities. Lakeland Community College has a history of forming community partnerships - knowing partnerships build strength and growth. Lakeland is excited to announce it has entered a partnership with Lake County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) to continue to offer a basic police academy.

This partnership is a collaboration which will combine such resources as leadership, technology, and networking, within a premier learning and training environment. This community partnership will not only provide an opportunity for qualified students but provide local law enforcement agencies with the option to send new hires to a police academy close to home.

This partnership will ensure Lakeland's legacy continues through the LCSO to meet and exceed the rigid standards of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPTOC). With this unique partnership, Lake County Sheriff's Office and Lakeland will ensure current and foreseeable training needs develop quality police officers which in turn provide for safer communities.

The Police Academy Commander is LCSO Chief Deputy Robert Izzo and the Assistant Commander is LCSO Deputy Don Ticel. LCC Dean of Students, Mario Petitti, will oversee the academic side of the academy and work closely with the Commander and Assistant Commander to ensure student success.

The Basic Police Academy at Lakeland Community College is administered by the Lake County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council (OPOTC). The Basic Police Academy is required training to become a police officer in the State of Ohio. The curriculum includes all topics required by the OPOTC, as well as topics determined by the Academy Commander. Attendance at all classes is mandatory. To maintain a safe and quality learning environment, the size of a police academy class is limited to 30 students/cadets.

Please contact us with any questions.

To become a police officer in Ohio, applicants must complete a Peace Officer Basic Training Academy that is approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC).

Lakeland provides an open enrollment police academy, meaning that if you meet the qualifications listed below, you are eligible to enroll in the Basic Police Academy.